Best Drysuits for Kayaking: Top 6 Picks to Keep you Dry
So you have got yourself all sorted vis a vis kayak and equipment. You have researched which kayak you prefer, where you are going to go, what expedition you are going for, the weight capacity, the people you are inviting, whether you are fishing or not, how much equipment you are going to need but have you bought the best kayaking suits? That's a kayaking wetsuit vs drysuit. Unless you have some kayaking formal occasion to attend, that is. We're here to help you traverse the tricky current of dry suits and wetsuits and let you know which are the best drysuits for kayaking. So if you are ready to dive in, then let's start!
What are Drysuits, and How Do They Work?
The best drysuits are made of a type of loose-fitting waterproof immersion wear for use in cold climates. A drysuit protects your clothes rather than your body. The seals and gaskets seal the suit, preventing water from entering.
Notably, the role of the drysuit is not to keep you warm; it's the clothes you wear underneath that do that. The drysuit keeps your clothes dry, and the clothes insulate you in one happy cohabiting relationship. The more you wear, the warmer you are. Typically, you will want to wear an insulating layer under your suit, e.g., fleece, thermal underwear, woolen jumpers, since the suit itself is not insulated. The drysuit may keep you dry; you may still get cold when kayaking without supplementary insulation.
The best drysuits for kayaking work by enveloping the wearer in a 100% waterproof layer, usually made from Gore-Tex. The rubber gaskets/ seals around the wearer's neck and wrists are typically two parts: an inner and outer seal. Each part of the membrane fits snugly around your skin, eliminating the change for water to enter your suit. As the membranes flex, the wearer can move freely, and the suit will follow them, keeping you and your clothes dry.
Covering your feet, they will usually have 'socks' attached to them, much like an onesie or an all-in-one, or the same type of gaskets found on the neck and wrists. Those with socks are made of the same material as the rest of the suit and keep the feet completely dry, though again, you will need a layer of insulation to keep the toes warm.
Drysuits vs Wetsuits
The primary choice any kayaker will have for their equipment will be drysuits vs wetsuits. What is the difference? Why does it matter? Well, let us handle this one. We will run you through the differences and why (perhaps) the drysuit is the best option for you.
While both are designed to retain heat, drysuits and wetsuits do function differently and use different materials.
Wetsuits are usually made of rubber neoprene and are specifically designed so that they keep you warm when they are wet. Importantly, they are not waterproof. They need to be tightfitting to ensure that you can be a little more adventurous than when you are wearing a drysuit.
Wetsuits utilize your body as a source of heat, especially underwater. The neoprene's closed-cell foam is filled with small gas bubbles in the suit, preventing too much heat loss. The suit itself lets a thin layer of water in between your body and the suit. Your body then warms up this water and keeps your body comfortably insulated while in the water.
Flip this on its head, and that gives you the best drysuits for kayaking. They are entirely waterproof but do not provide the warmth themselves. Usually, they are loose-fitting and act more like a shell than a suit. Think of a large ski jacket. They are often made much larger and maintain buoyancy much better than a wetsuit. By preventing any water from entering the suit, you face less extreme cold than you would without one. They are instrumental when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Generally, drysuits are better made for sports like kayaking, where the activity's main aim is not to be in the water. Being completely waterproof prevents any pesky water from getting in and freezing you. Also, should you fall in the water, the drysuit acts as a helpful floating assist. They also usually have reinforced knees and seat areas for comfort.
Sizing and Fit Guide
Trying on to find the best drysuit for kayaking sounds easy, but as with anything, there are various considerations to take especially when it comes to size and fit. Before you commit to a purchase, you should try the suit on, with the clothes you expect to wear underneath it. This gives you a fair idea of how it will feel on the day.
When you get in the drysuit, get yourself zipped up and get rid of all the air inside the suit. You can do this by squatting down and holding the neck seal away from your body. Once there:
- Ensure your feet are lying flat against the floor without your heels rising. This will give you some idea of the movement that you can do in the suit. If the suit becomes stretched and tight, it is probable that the drysuit is too small for you and that the next size up will be better.
- While squatting, cuddle yourself as if you are attempting to warm up the body. This helps to see if it lies comfortably around the shoulders and, importantly, the upper body.
- Additionally, kneel and raise your arms above your head, stretching as far as possible. This allows you to see if you can reach all aspects of the suit, especially if the zipper is on the back.
Follow these steps to ensure you have a drysuit that fits best and will not get in your way when you are out on the water.
How to Choose the Best Drysuit for Kayaking
1. Material
Drysuits tend to be made out of two main types of material: Tri-Laminate or Neoprene. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but it is down to you to decide what suits you. Honestly, the split of kayakers' opinions tends to be 50-50, so it does come down to personal choice.
Tri-Laminate
Thin fabric suits are made of three layers. The thin material does not have any effect on thermal or buoyancy, however they are much lighter to transport and more comfortable to repair. However, don't be concerned with these suits' thinner feel; they stand up well against the opposition. Strong resistance to puncture makes them a lot more popular for divers and those that spend more time in the water.
Neoprene
Compared to tri-laminate suits, the neoprene made suits are much warmer. This type of suit has air bubbles trapped inside the material, retaining more heat. Whilst these increase the insulation, they also increase the buoyancy of the suit. Neoprene suits are heavier than other suits and can be hard-wearing for those longer expeditions.
For kayakers, We would recommend the Neoprene suits. They require less thermal wear underneath, are more durable, and are more buoyant should you take a tumble in the water.
2. Durability
Most suits are made of durable and split-resistant nylon. It is treated with a chemical hydrophilic treatment, causing water to run off the suit.
However, be aware that some of the suit is prone to wear, particularly the knees and seat. These are often reinforced with resistant materials like Cordura.
3. Fit
Drysuits come in two styles, loose or tight. The type you require depends on the temperature of the water you plan on kayaking on. For cold waters or activities like whitewater kayaking, which have a high risk of being in the water, you are better going for a loose-fitting drysuit.
The loose fit of the suit ensure thicker and more thermal protection. If the weather temperature is not as cold and the chance of immersion is low, then a tighter suit will reduce the bulk and weight of your gear.
4. Breathability
Some models of drysuit feature breathable linings, such as Gore-Tex. These semi-permeable linings allow sweat to pass through the drysuit without letting water seep in. This keeps you dry and prevents the buildup of perspiration.
Gore-Tex is not the only option on the market. There have been developments in other materials claiming to be just as good and at a much cheaper rate than the Gore-Tex drysuits. However, as is often the case, this does seem too good to be true. People have tested these other suits but remain that the brand standard for waterproof material is Gore-Tex. It may be more expensive, but it certainly keeps you dry when used as kayak paddling drysuits and more active sports.
Whilst this doesn't sound too important, it's essential for kayakers. With the added physical exertion that the sport requires, a less breathable suit will make kayaking so much harder. Where possible, it is best to plump for a drysuit with a breathable lining.
5. Entry and Zipper Location
Most kayaking drysuits have entry points at the back or chest entry. There are no explicit benefits to either entry type, so pick the best one for you.
More recently, there has been a trend to use a two-part drysuit, such as Kokatat's SwitchZip technology, which joins at the waist and is a cross-chest entry. These are easier to get in and can offer additional benefits to kayakers, such as they can be used as just jackets or trousers options for those who don't feel the need or want to wear a full drysuit.
Another zipper consideration needs to be relief zippers. It acts as a fly zipper on a pair of pants, whereas on dry suits, the relief zippers are waterproof and run horizontally. A drop seat zipper serves the same purpose for women allowing for all of nature's needs to be met. These are optional, but everyone buying a new drysuit for kayaking will likely need relief zippers. You don't want to be caught stuck in your suit and desperate for the bathroom.
6. Seals
Seals aren't the most exciting topic, but the one you choose will decide how waterproof and comfortable your kayaking drysuit is. Usually, the seal will be latex neck or cuffs. Latex seals are the standard of watertight seals; they stretch and adjust to your neck/wrists and are relatively robust. However, they can rip and tear if misused.
An alternative is a glideskin neoprene, which spreads the seal over a wider area but can be quite fragile. Neoprene neck seals often require to be folded in on themselves to create a seal. This can damage them, so regular upkeep is recommended.
7. Colors
Drysuits come in various colors, and as such, the market is open for you kayakers to choose whichever you would prefer. However, it is worth mentioning that the brighter the color, the easier you will see in the water. So whether you fall in or need rescuing or you are zooming ahead of your companions, and they need to see you, a bold color will be helpful.
8. Pockets
The more pockets, the better, in our opinion. Drysuits can come with these attached, or you can buy them separately. Pockets are usually made to come with the option of velcro or zippers. To ensure that your equipment remains waterproof, we recommend the zipper. The only thing to make sure of is that you can open the pockets with cold, wet, and gloved hands.
The 6 Best Drysuit for Kayaking
Our list of best kayak drysuits available right now:
1. Kokatat Women's Hydrus Swift Entry Drysuit w/Drop Seat
This Women's Kayak Drysuit is perfect for any level of kayaker: beginner or pro. Created from a waterproof breathable three-layer Gore-Tex fabric to keep you warm and dry in cold temperatures. Featuring a bright blue color offering high visibility, a neoprene neck, and 3-layer socks to complete the suit. The flexibility of this material makes this an ideal kayak fishing drysuit. As well as being incredibly breathable, this suit also incorporates an across chest front entry system, perfect for easy access. As opposed to a relief zipper, this suit has a more suitable drop seat. This Gore-Tex suit is the best drysuit for kayak fishing or paddling kayak trips.
This drysuit by O'Neill is a roomy and breathable suit suitable for all range of kayak activities. Whilst it is not made from Gore-Tex, it is constructed from a 3-layer nylon shell that actively keeps water away from your clothes, keeping you dry throughout for those on a tighter budget. Weighing in at less than 3lbs, this lightweight suit truly allows you to experience the water without compromising your weight capacity. Despite no relief zipper or front entry, this suit features a horizontal rear entry system supported by suspenders that makes stepping in and out of this suit an absolute breeze.
All of this is tied together by the comfort provided by the lack of chafing guaranteed from the neck seal—all in all, a fine budget drysuit.
GUL has really been pushing their new waterproof fabrics to compete with the Gore-Tex competition. This drysuit is produced with the GCX3 material built from 3 layers set to work together to ensure a hardy, waterproof and breathable suit. The outer shell is resistant to wearing and rips, whilst the middle layer prevents the water from seeping in. This is all finished by a 3rd breathable layer allowing for the condensation building up in the suit to escape. GUL has also opted to go for the front-entry chest zipper system with an easy-to-grasp handle making entering and exiting the suit that much easier. This is essential as it does not feature a relief zipper.
This robust drysuit makes it ideal for the more active and adrenaline-fuelled sports as the joints at the elbows, knees, and seat area are all reinforced and contoured to reduce any snagging. If you are looking for something to wear when tackling the rough water, then look no further than these perfect whitewater drysuits for your journey.
Ignite truly is offering us something different with this drysuit combination. Designed for some of the toughest weather around, this suit offers multiple different ways to wear it. When up against mother nature in all of her glory, you can opt for 100% waterproof wear by securing the front-entry zipper, ensuring that you stay warm and dry on your trip. However once, the worst has passed, and you reach sunnier climates or are taking a well-earned break, this suit can be undone and allows for further breathability. The neck seal is adjustable to ensure that you can keep the water out, whilst the addition of a 'wader belt' allows the wearer to protect the lower body from the icy water when not in the full waterproof position.
Whilst this suit is gendered towards sailors on long trips, it can easily suit a kayaker's needs on long-distance journeys. Adjustable, comfortable, and waterproof makes this a certain contender for the best kayak drysuit.
The heavy-duty Level, Six Emperor twin sensor drysuit is built to stand up to the toughest tests on the water, from whitewater kayaking to kayak fishing. The Emperor is one of the most versatile and reliable drysuits created, giving you the ultimate protection, especially from the reinforced knees, on the water. A rear-entry system keeps the suit waterproof, and the handy relief zipper is easy to use even in gloved, wet hands. The addition of 3 ply socks gives this suit an extra benefit.
When talking about ease of use, the Stohlquist Amp is perhaps the best drysuit for kayaking. It's a comfy cross-chest front entry suit that you can have on and off very quickly.
The material is the 4-layer Twin Sensor fabric made of a DWR-coated nylon shell with a microporous mid-layer and a hydrophilic laminated membrane, and a soft nylon lining. The suit has breathability too. The super stretch neoprene over cuffs and the dry socks that are universally sized, this drysuit is a fantastic choice for kayak fishing.
In addition to all of the above, other features include zippered arm pockets for your convenience, a relief zipper, reflective panels, and a reinforced knees and seat made from Cordura fabric.
Our Choice
Are you looking for the best drysuits for kayaking? Then look no further than the Stohlquist EZ Drysuit. Made from 4 layer twin sensor nylon, ensuring that you stay dry. It's incredibly comfy and is breathable for even the most extreme of activities with the addition of a cross-chest entry system that allows you to jump in and go. On top of this, all of the extra goodies are already in place, meaning you are good to go straight from your purchase. Whether you are looking for a paddling drysuit or whitewater drysuit, this all-in-one is perfect for you. So get out there and enjoy!